Beegle said Apple reluctantly refunded the $450 after he explained to a supervisor that he makes his living testifying in court as an expert witness on cybercrimes.

News10 did not get an immediate response seeking comment from Apple or from San Francisco-based Booyah, the developer of MyTown2.

According to Apple's iPhone app developer guidelines, software must require users to enter their iTunes password each time they make an in-app purchase if more than 15 minutes has elapsed since the last charge.

The guidelines apply to iPhone operating system iOS 4.3 and later. Rob Beegle said Zachary was using an older iPhone when he racked up the charges.

Zachary is no longer allowed to play MyTown2, but Santa Claus brought him a consolation present on Christmas Day. The new Leap Pad gaming device does not connect to the Internet.